Spanish Language and Culture Experience for WMU Employees
Quito, Ecuador
May 2 to May 16, 2015
Visit Quito, Ecuador and take part in an international professional development opportunity in the 2015 summer I academic term!
Twelve grants of $1,000 toward expenses are available to qualified WMU staff!
Participants will live in Cumbayá, which is known as one of the most cosmopolitan areas of the capital of Quito. They will have class on the beautiful campus of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, also in Cumbayá.
Information sessions:
- 4:45 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, 4030 Brown Hall
- Noon, Friday, Jan. 30, 4030 Brown Hall
Program: Participants will be provided with a minimum of 30 hours of instruction in Cumbayá on Spanish language and Ecuadorian culture. Participants will have a guided tour of Quito’s historic center, with a visit to Museo Casa del Alabado and two, all-day excursions to Otavalo, Middle of the World, and the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve. Successful completion of the program will result in a certificate of completion. This program will not be posted to transcripts and may not be applied toward a degree.
Who is eligible: WMU benefits-eligible staff or WMU faculty on continuing appointment. Applicants are required to complete Spanish 1010 (many sections available including evening and lunch) OR test to equivalent level by the end of the spring 2015 term. Comprehensive information about the language proficiency and testing will be presented at the information sessions.
Scholarships: The Haenicke Institute will provide $1,000 toward airfare or expenses for benefits-eligible staff. The $2,250 program fee will be covered by the Haenicke Institute (covering tuition and excursions during the two-week program in Quito). The trip to the Galapagos is not included in the program fee. See the back of this flier for more financial and budget information.
Selection: Limited number of placements are available. A committee comprised of members from the Department of Spanish and the Haenicke Institute will review and approve applications. First priority will be given to those applicants who have not previously participated in the Spanish Language and Culture Experience for WMU Employees program.
Financial arrangements: WMU will pay tuition for SPAN 1010 for benefits-eligible employees. Applicants can meet Spanish requirements through classes in the spring 2015 term. All normal University policies apply. All employees should discuss potential participation with direct supervisor before applying.
Budget: Housing and two meals a day are included in the program fee. Total estimated out of pocket cost including personal expenses: $700 for staff; $1,700 for faculty (airfare: $1,200, additional food: $150 ($15/day), miscellaneous expenses: $350).
Questions: Write Dr. Mercedes Tasende, faculty director, at mercedes.tasende@wmich.edu, or Dr. Jane Blyth, director of study abroad and global program development at jane.blyth@wmich.edu.
A collaborative effort between WMU’s Department of Spanish, the International Education Council of the Faculty Senate, and the Office of Study Abroad in the Haenicke Institute for Global Education.